Snowpiercer - Something actually a bit different

I didn't really know what to expect when I sat down to 'Snowpiercer.' It's fair to say that I'm a little late to the party as I never heard about it when (and if?) it was ever released in the cinema.  Therefore, much of what I heard about it came through word of mouth and via the internet, promising it to be a 'cult classic.' Now I've watched it, I can say the internet is - overall - pretty accurate.

In the future the world has suffered from one hell of a freak snowstorm due to climate change and the last of humanity speeds round the world on board a train, tethered to a single set of circular tracks.  Now, if your first question is something like... do the train tracks go all the way across every ocean?  Then you're not the only one wondering things like this.  In fact, it's worth saying that the more forgiving you are of the details then the more you're going to get out of it.

Unfortunately, the train isn't all 'First Class.' In fact, the rear of the train is filled with those unfortunate enough to be forced to exist on scraps and weirdly-produced 'protein bars,' while those closer to the front get manicures and swimming pools.  Yes, it's fair to say that there's a 'class system' in play here.  And, quite naturally if you're one of those who isn't getting their hair done at the on board salon, many at the rear are looking to revolt and take over the train.  Chris 'Captain America' Evans is one man forced to be back there with the 'proles' and he, along with a group of others (mainly John Hurt and Jamie Bell) set about a plan to redistribute the resources at hand a little more evenly.

The film has a reasonable amount of action in it, but just not quite enough to be considered an 'all out' action flick.  It's almost more like a two-hour episode of TV's 'Black Mirror' which presents a dystopian vision of the future and lets the viewer along for the ride.  I've seen a lot of negative reviews for 'Snowpiercer,' but they all seem to dwell on the plot holes (of which there are many if you care to look for them).  However, I preferred to immerse myself in the general atmosphere (of which it's actually pretty tense - if depressing!) and just go along for the ride. 

There's quite a lot in there that you may not see coming.  And by that I mean some pretty dark moments which are quite memorable, if for all the wrong reasons.  Chris Evans doesn't do much apart from grumble and brood through the film, but does actually shine at the end when you find out a little more about him than you originally figured.

It may not be for everyone, but it's certainly got a different look, feel and vision of the future to make it worth at least a watch.  It's a couple of hours long, so possibly a little longer than your average action/sci-fi flick, but if you keep your mind open and go along for the ride it should certainly be better than taking the average overcrowded commuter train full of screaming kids on a Bank Holiday weekend.

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one